Behavior modification device and method

Abstract

A behavior modification device and method for encouraging positive behavior and discouraging negative behavior by a child. The device comprises a positive section having a positive receptacle, a neutral section having two receptacles and a negative section having a negative receptacle. Each of the positive and negative sections are made up of members that disconnect to open the receptacles and which separate from the neutral section. Tokens and reward items are placed in the neutral section and a caregiver monitors the child. If good behavior is observed, a token is moved to the positive receptacle. If further good behavior is observed, a second token is moved to the positive receptacle and the child gets a reward item. If bad behavior is observed, a token is moved to the negative receptacle. If further bad behavior is observed, a second token is moved to the negative receptacle and the child is disciplined.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 357,929 filed Mar. 19, 2010.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not Applicable.REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0003]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]A. Field of the Invention[0005]The field of the present invention relates generally to devices and methods for encouraging desirable behavior in particular subjects. Specifically, the present invention relates to such devices and methods that provide positive reinforcement in the form of rewards and the like for desirable behavior and loss of such rewards and other discipline to discourage inappropriate behavior. More specifically, the present invention relates to such devices and methods that are particularly beneficial for use with children.[0006]B. Background[0007]As is well known, modern society depends on...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The behavior modification device and method of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses an improved behavior modification device and method which allows a caregiver to more easily and timely reward and encourage acceptable behavior by a child and to discipline and discourage unacceptable behavior by the child. In the preferred configuration, the device of the present invention is sized and configured to easily fit inside a caregiver's pocket, purse, briefcase or other case so the caregiver may have the device readily available when he or she observes good or bad behavior by the child. The device of the present invention is preferably configured to allow the child to easily understand and visualize the positive or negative effects of his or her good and bad behavior and to appreciate the objective to be obtained by continuing to engage in good behavior. The device and method of the present invention allows the child to readily grasp the caregiver's response to the child's acceptable or unacceptable behavior so that he or she may learn therefrom so as to increase the likelihood of continued good behavior and reduce the likelihood of repeating bad behavior. The device and method of the present invention allows a child's caregiver to encourage acceptable behavior and discourage unacceptable behavior in a fun and non-threatening manner. In the preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is shaped to represent a bee so that the child may have positive feelings toward the caregiver's use of the device. Alternatively, the device may be provided in the shape of a bird, insect, animal or other creature.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, the caregiver will also verbally praise the child when giving him or her the reward item and verbally express disappointment with the child when providing the discipline.

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